'Burma' cast wins ensemble award

The buzzy SXSW title, starring Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr., tells the story of a young woman who works as a supervisor at a foster-care home as she reckons with her own troubled past.

Ben Nabors’ “William and the Windmill,” about a 14 year-old Malawain who teaches himself how to build a power generator using junk parts, took home the documentary feature kudo at Tuesday’s awards ceremony while the special jury recognition acting honors went to the ensemble of Carlos Puga’s “Burma,” which stars “Girls” actor Christopher Abbot, as well as Tishuan Scott for “The Retrieval.”

“The feedback for the entire program this year has been so enthusiastic and rewarding,” said Janet Pierson, Film Conference and Festival Producer. “We know the juries had a tough job…but we’re thrilled with the quality of the work recognized.”

Hosted by comedian Jerrod Carmichael, the ceremony was held for the first time at SXSW’s flagship Paramount theater in Austin.

“Short Term 12,” Cretton’s follow-up to last year’s “I Am Not a Hipster,” drew a warm response from auds and buyers after its world preem Sunday. Traction and Cinetic are selling the pic at SXSW.